Manchester United could be facing a significant financial hit in January, with reports suggesting that they are prepared to let Casemiro leave for a cut-price fee of £30million.
This would represent a £40million loss on the £70million they paid Real Madrid for the Brazilian midfielder just two years ago. The reason behind this potential move lies in a tactical shift under new manager Ruben Amorim, whose 3-4-3 formation appears to have no room for the seasoned holding midfielder.
Casemiro has been a pivotal figure for United since his arrival from Madrid in 2022, providing the midfield stability that the club had sorely missed. However, under Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag at the helm, United have switched to a new tactical setup that has led to questions about Casemiro’s place in the team. Amorim’s preference for a three-center-back system, paired with two advanced wing-backs and a more fluid midfield, seems to have left the Brazilian out of the equation.
Unlike Ten Hag’s system, which utilized two holding midfielders to protect the backline, Amorim’s 3-4-3 requires just one deep-lying midfielder. This change has seen United rotate several midfielders this season, but the competition for starting spots has intensified, particularly in the holding role. As things stand, it’s been suggested that Casemiro may not feature in Amorim’s first-choice plans, leading the club to consider cutting their losses by selling him in January.
According to reports from Caught Offside, United could make Casemiro available for a £30million move in the winter transfer window. Such a move would be a massive financial blow for the club, who are already feeling the pressure of a difficult post-Ronaldo rebuilding phase. The loss of £40million on the player would raise further questions about United’s transfer strategy under current ownership, with many fans questioning how the club finds itself in such a position so soon after making a major investment in the midfielder.
One of the key factors behind this shift is Amorim’s tactical philosophy. The Portuguese coach, known for his success at Sporting CP, is a strong advocate of a more dynamic, fluid midfield setup that relies on high-pressing and quick transitions. Under Amorim, Manchester United’s midfield is expected to function as a unit rather than relying on individual holding players like Casemiro, who thrives in a more conservative role protecting the back four.
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While Casemiro’s leadership and defensive abilities have been crucial for United in the past, his style of play seems less suited to Amorim’s fast-paced, pressing system. Many pundits have suggested that the midfielder could find himself on the periphery, especially with younger, more versatile players such as Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo expected to occupy the holding-midfield roles in the new setup.
In fact, former United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has even suggested that Casemiro could be one of several midfielders to suffer as a result of Amorim’s tactical changes. He pointed out that other experienced figures, such as Christian Eriksen, might also be at risk of losing their starting spots in the new system. The shift in tactical approach under Amorim could leave several established players questioning their future at Old Trafford.
This development comes at a time when United are already facing significant challenges on the pitch. The club’s midfield, while talented, has struggled to maintain consistency this season, and the ongoing restructuring under Amorim could lead to further changes in personnel. Casemiro’s potential departure would mark the end of an era for United’s midfield, which had been heavily reliant on his leadership and experience since his arrival from Madrid.
However, it is important to note that the decision to offload Casemiro may not be entirely down to Amorim’s system alone. The club’s broader financial situation, exacerbated by the lack of Champions League football, could force United to make difficult decisions regarding their squad. Selling a high-profile player like Casemiro would help trim the wage bill, which could be crucial for financing new signings in the upcoming transfer windows.
United have already been linked with potential signings in key areas, including a new left-back, with reports suggesting that they are working on a deal for Alphonso Davies. There is also speculation about a possible move for Milos Kerkez, who is reportedly a target for both United and rivals Liverpool. A move for Casemiro could free up funds for such acquisitions, allowing United to address areas of weakness in their squad.
Despite the heavy financial loss that would accompany Casemiro’s departure, the club may feel that a fresh approach under Amorim requires a different set of players. The decision could be a necessary step in the rebuilding process, even if it involves parting ways with a player who has been central to United’s midfield for the past two seasons.
From Casemiro’s perspective, a move away from Manchester United could offer the opportunity to play in a system that better suits his strengths. While a return to Madrid seems unlikely, other top European clubs might find his experience and skill set valuable. A move to a team with a more traditional setup, or even a shift to a league that prioritizes a more defensive midfield role, could be an attractive prospect for the Brazilian.
For now, all eyes will be on United as they prepare for the January transfer window. Casemiro’s future at the club remains uncertain, and if reports are to be believed, he may soon find himself looking for a new challenge elsewhere. Whether this will be the first of several departures under Amorim’s new regime remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: significant changes are afoot at Old Trafford, and the squad will look very different in the months to come.
As the situation develops, it’s worth keeping an eye on how United approach their midfield restructuring. With several other key players also facing uncertain futures under Amorim, the coming months could be crucial in determining the direction of the club’s long-term rebuild. The decision to offload Casemiro, if it happens, would be a landmark moment in United’s ongoing transformation under their new manager.